Luna Mira’s Choice novel Chapter 20

_Mira’s POV_

The morning after that terrible dream, I was still shaken. I had barely slept the rest of the night, haunted by the echoes of Isabella’s cries. I felt a strange connection to her, like her pain was now a part of me. I woke to a gentle knock at my door.

“Mira?” Aaron’s voice was soft. He peeked inside, his face full of concern. “How are you feeling? I wanted to check on you.”

I managed a small smile, but it probably looked as tired as I felt. “I am…better. Just trying to shake off the dream.”

He walked over, his steps careful, like he was trying not to startle me. “You looked pale, even in your sleep,” he said. “If you need to talk more about it, I am here.”

“Thank you, Aaron.” His kindness touched me, and I felt a bit more at ease. “I think…I just need a distraction.”

He grinned. “Well, in that case, I have a plan. I don’t have many duties today, so I thought we could spend some time together. Maybe a walk in the gardens?”

I looked at him, surprised. He was the Alpha, always busy. But today, he wanted to be with me. I nodded, feeling my spirits lift. “I would love that.”

“Great. Get dressed, and let’s have breakfast together. Then we’ll get some fresh air. I promise it will be good for you.” He gave me a reassuring smile before leaving the room.

After breakfast, we stepped outside, the morning sunlight warm and gentle on my face. The gardens stretched out before us, filled with blooming flowers and tall, ancient trees. Aaron walked beside me.

As we strolled, he started telling me about the pack’s history. He spoke of past Alphas and fierce battles, of times when the pack was much smaller, struggling to survive. I listened, nodding politely, but honestly, my mind drifted. I was trying to forget the nightmare, not bury myself in old pack lore.

Aaron must have noticed because he paused and chuckled. “Am I boring you, Mira?”

I blushed. “No, I–well, maybe just a little.”

He laughed, a warm, deep sound that made me relax. “Alright, then. Let us talk about something else. Like the Selene festival. It’s coming up soon, and I have been thinking about renovations for the pack house.”

“Oh, the Selene festival.” I felt a pang of guilt. I had forgotten about it entirely, something I had never done back in my old pack. “That’s when we celebrate the Moon Goddess, right?”

He nodded, looking at me with a glint of excitement. “Exactly. Every year on the full moon of August. It’s our biggest celebration, and it’s my favorite. There’s dancing, feasting, and everyone stays up until dawn.”

Hearing about it made me smile. In my old pack, the Selene festival had been a magical night filled with joy and gratitude. “I used to love it too. The whole pack would come together, and for one night, there were no ranks, no duties. Just…. happiness.”

Aaron’s eyes softened. “Then this year, we’ll make sure it’s a festival you’ll never forget.”

His words surprised me. “You are really excited about this, aren’t you?”

He shrugged, but there was a playful glint in his eyes. “Of course. I don’t get many chances to dance, and I would like to show you some of my skills.” He winked. He was clearly teasing me.

I laughed, shaking my head. “Skills? Oh, I’ll believe that when I see it.”

He chuckled, bumping his shoulder lightly against mine. “Just you wait. I’ll have you swept off your feet.”

We walked a little further, and then I looked at him, the idea forming in Aaron, I would like to help with the preparations for the festival.”

He turned to me, surprised. “Really? You would want to do that?” my mind.”

I nodded, feeling excitement for the first time in days. “Yes. It’s important to the pack, and I…I want to be a part of it.”

His face lit up. “Then you’ll help me plan everything. We’ll make this festival the best one yet.” He took my hand and squeezed it gently, and my heart skipped a beat.

“I’ll hold you to that,” I said, feeling a warm flush rise to my cheeks.

We continued walking, and Aaron shared his plans for the festival. “I was thinking of adding more decorations this year. Maybe we could string lights through the trees, and hang lanterns around the pack house. What do you think?”

“That sounds beautiful.” I imagined the glow of lights against the night sky, the laughter and music filling the air. “I think the pack would love it.”

He looked at me, his gaze softening. “And you, Mira? Would you love it?”

The question caught me off guard, and I felt my face heat up. “Yes,” I whispered. “It sounds…perfect.”

Aaron grinned, clearly pleased. “Then it’s settled. We’ll work together on the decorations. And if there’s anything you want to add, just say so.”

I thought for a moment, then said, “Maybe we could add some flowers? Like garlands of wildflowers hanging in the trees.”

He nodded, considering it. “That’s a beautiful idea. It’ll bring some color to the night.”

As we continued talking, I felt myself relax more and more. Aaron had a way of making everything seem lighter, as if the worries and fears were drifting away with each step we took.

“Aaron,” I began, feeling a bit shy. “Thank you for today. I really needed this.”

He looked at me, his eyes warm and serious. “Mira, you don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad I can help.”

We paused near a cluster of blooming roses, and Aaron plucked one, holding it out to me with a small smile. “For you.”

I took it, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. “Thank you.”

He chuckled. “You are welcome. You know, Mira, you should smile more. It suits you.”

I looked down, embarrassed but touched. “I’ll…try.” I glanced back at him, feeling bold.

“But only if you keep telling me stories.”

He laughed. “Deal.”

We continued our walk, our conversation flowing easily. He told me about his plans for the future, about the dreams he had for the pack. And each word made me feel closer to him, like I was finally starting to understand the man behind the title of Alpha.

By the time we returned to the pack house, I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a long time. And as I looked at Aaron, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I was starting to trust him.